On May 29, 2022, 18-month-old De'Avry Thomas, a young African American boy, tragically lost his life in a drive-by shooting in Downtown Pittsburgh. De'Avry was inside a Jeep with his mother, Deashea Green, near PPG Place at Fourth Avenue and Stanwix Street when the shooting occurred. He was not the intended target but was struck multiple times in the face and head, leading to his immediate death at the scene.
Following the incident, Pittsburgh Police launched an extensive investigation.
Video and fingerprint evidence led to the arrest of two men, Markez Anger and Londell Falconer, who were linked to the crime. Both men were charged with first-degree murder, attempted homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide, and aggravated assault. Falconer was also charged with firearm-related offenses.
In June 2023, a nonjury trial concluded with Anger and Falconer being found guilty on all counts. They were each sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with additional consecutive sentences for the other charges. Despite their claims of innocence and intentions to appeal, the court upheld the sentences.
The loss of De'Avry Thomas has deeply affected his family and the community. His mother, Deashea Green, has spoken about the ongoing pain and struggle to cope with the tragedy. In response, Kahlil Darden, De'Avry's godfather, announced plans to open a community center named after De'Avry to provide positive opportunities for youth in the area. The center aims to offer various programs, including arts and crafts, culinary arts, and STEM activities, to honor De'Avry's memory and support other children in the community.
The case has drawn significant attention and highlighted the devastating impact of gun violence on innocent lives. The community continues to rally around De'Avry's family, seeking justice and working towards preventing such senseless acts of violence in the future.
